Los Angeles - Britney Spears and Rihanna triumphed at the 2008 NRJ Music Awards on Saturday.
Britney, who has had a tumultuous time since divorcing Kevin Federline and losing custody of her two sons, saw off stiff competition from Rihanna and Amy Winehouse to receive the International Album of the Year prize for her comeback LP Blackout.
Although Rihanna lost out on the album award, her popular dance track Don't Stop the Music was named International Song of the Year at France's most famous music awards ceremony.
The stunning 19-year-old singer showed off her new short hairstyle as she performed her award-winning song at France's Palais des Festivals de Cannes.
SexyBack singer Justin Timberlake won International Male Artist of the Year, while Canadian star Avril Lavigne was crowned International Female Artist of the Year.
Amy Winehouse, who was nominated for International Revelation of the Year and International Album of the Year, was due to perform at the star-studded ceremony but was forced to pull out after entering rehab for drug addiction last week.
Lebanese-born Grace Kelly singer Mika, who wore a shocking pink jacket to the ceremony, picked up the International Revelation of the Year.
Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and Kylie Minogue all received the NRJ Award of Honour for their contribution to music.
Nominees for the NRJ Awards are chosen by French radio station NRJ.
Listeners can then vote online for their favourites.
The public votes count for 75% of the final outcome, while a panel made up of NRJ staff and French TV network TF1 has a 25% influence on the winners.
2008 NRJ Music Awards full list of winners:
Francophone Revelation of the Year - Christophe Willem
International Revelation of the Year - Mika
Francophone Female Artist of the Year - Jenifer
International Female Artist of the Year - Avril Lavigne
Francophone Male Artist of the Year - Christophe Mae
International Male Artist of the Year - Justin Timberlake
Francophone Group/Duo of the Year - Superbus
International Group/Duo of the Year - Tokio Hotel
International Song of the Year - Rihanna, Don't Stop The Music
Francophone Album of the Year - Christophe Willem, Inventaire
International Album of the Year - Britney Spears, Blackout
Francophone Song of the Year - Christophe Mae, On s'attache
Music Video of the Year - Fatal Bazooka, Parle a ma main
NRJ Award of Honour - Celine Dion, Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue
Bang Showbiz.com
